Karachi: The first-ever session of the Children’s Parliament Sindh kicked off today with a three-day training program at a private training hall in Karachi. Organized by the Thar Education Alliance with support from the Sindh Reform Support Unit and UNICEF, the initiative aims to empower children and promote the right to education across Sindh.

The opening ceremony was graced by Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission and Chairman of the High-Level Advisory Council, who delivered a keynote address. He highlighted the significance of local governance, responsibilities of elected representatives, and the role of children in shaping a better future. Detho also discussed international frameworks for children’s rights and elaborated on the Local Government Act 2013, explaining its impact on local communities and governance systems.

Partab Shivani, Chief Executive Officer Thar Education Alliance, briefed participants on the objectives of the Children’s Parliament. “This initiative will serve as a platform to promote educational rights and bring out-of-school children back into the education system. Children from 30 districts of Sindh, including six representatives from the low-literacy Sujawal district, will participate in this effort to amplify the voices of young leaders,” he said.

The training, attended by 64 children selected from across Sindh, aims to prepare them for their roles in the Children’s Parliament. Notable educators and officials, including Prem Sagir, Thakur Zaheer, Qurat Mudsar, Bharat Kumar, and Priyanka Kishor, conducted sessions on leadership, governance, and child rights.

The event also featured interactive discussions where children asked questions and shared their perspectives. On the final day, an election will be held to select the parliament’s representatives, who will lead future initiatives focusing on education and governance reforms.

This groundbreaking initiative is seen as a major step toward creating a safer and more inclusive framework for children in Sindh, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.